June 7, 2013
Thomson Safaris Review: It was like living inside an IMAX movie for 8 days
When we started planning for our African Safari, we contacted several operators. Only Thomson Safaris came back with an itinerary that mirrored our desires and added an a few exceptional options we never thought of, including Gibbs Farm and Shanga Shangaa in Arusha.
Needless to say our experience with Thomson Safaris started off on the right foot. The pre-trip materials and welcome packet were well prepared and Paul patiently answered all of our questions.
We arrived in Tanzania and were greeted by our guide, James. From the start he gave us a good impression with his professional appearance, knowledge of the area, leadership and warmth.
The Ngorogoro Nyumba being placed in that spectacular Acacia forest was so beautiful. I think we liked the food at the Ngorogoro Nyumba best. At each camp, the food was superb and we are so very thankful that you and your chefs were able to accommodate our vegan traveler.
Some of Marcia & Tom’s Photos:
Zebra in Serengeti National Park
Hyenas in Ngorongoro Crater
Lion in Ngorongoro Crater
Baboon and baby in Tarangire National Park
Brown Hooded Kingfisher in Tarangire National Park
Elephant in Ngorongoro Crater
Flamingos in Ngorongoro Crater
On our last morning in the Serengeti there were wildebeest and zebra for miles and miles. James made our short morning game drive a memorable one and stayed with us until he safely saw the plane to take off for Arusha.
It is the little things that makes Thomson Safaris so great: The travel journal with the bird/animal listings (we have a few to add by the way), the attention to detail in the tents, the writing desk and lamp out front, the friendliness of the staff, the hand washing station at each meal, the opportunity to learn a little Swahili and so much more.
This was a trip to celebrate my 50th birthday and I truly wanted it to be special, but who knew it was even better than we imagined. It was like living inside an IMAX movie for 8 days.
Please give Rick & Judi our best wishes for their continued success.
Kind regards,
Marcia & Tom Blackwell
Private Safari, March 2013
Watch the Video Slideshow Marcia & Tom made of their safari on YouTube
June 3, 2013
Thomson Safaris Review: Our guides were fantastic
We had a fantastic – awesome safari! All three of our guides were fantastic, especially Leonard. While we were visiting a local school, Leonard gave a talk to the 7th grade class. I believe the subject was “confidence”. He also gave us several lectures on our safari.
It is apparent that he loves, and is proud of, his country, the people, the animals, and the kids. I think he is also proud of Thomson Safaris for the work they do in the community. We still talk about and show photos to our friends about the trip and sing the praises of Thomson Safaris.
A very special highlight was watching a Cheetah Mom train her four cubs to hunt and kill. We saw two kills, which we are told is very rare.
Jim & Judy A.
Signature Thomson Safari, February 2013
View photos of Jim & Judy’s safari here:
Thomson Safaris guide, Leonard, speaking to a 7th grade class
Leopard in a tree in Serengeti National Park
Cheetah in Serengeti National Park
Black Rhino in Ngorongoro Crater
Elephant Relaxing in Tarangire National Park
Cheetah mom training her cubs in the Serengeti
Cheetah mom with her cubs in the Serengeti
Sunset in Serengeti National Park
May 9, 2013
The best vacation and best experience. Thomson Safaris Review: Ed & Karen B.
I have stayed at a number of 5 star hotels in my lifetime, but the places we stayed at during this safari were just as good, only difference were the people, they genuinely cared about us.
The guides for our safari, Arthur and Koa, were amazing. I don’t know how they spotted various birds far away in trees, but they did and consequently I was able to get fantastic photos of the birds. I called Arthur “Bush Eye.” They did not just answer our questions about animals or plants, they always told a little story that explained how that animal or plant tied in to everything else. They were truly amazing.
We also met Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland and were able to spend one evening with them and had a great conversation. We sure appreciated what their vision is for their company and the people they affect in Tanzania.
We saw all the animals we could possibly see. All by all we rate this safari as our best vacation and best experience with the people who make Thomson Safaris work.
Ed & Karen B.
Signature Thomson Safari, December 2012
Click to enlarge photos from Ed & Karen’s safari
May 2, 2013
We fell in love with our guide!
Our trip was wonderful! We loved it and will remember it forever!
The animals were so wonderful to see in their habitat. We were so blessed to get to see the wildebeest migration of about 150,000 on our final day of safari.
Our guide Freddie was perfect, we fell in love with him!!!!
John & Barbara M.
Tanzania Wildlife Safari, October 2012
Click to enlarge photos from John & Barbara’s safari
April 4, 2013
Nyumbas were luxury in the wilderness! Signature Thomson Safari Review: Daphne B.
I didn’t know what to expect of a Nyumba…but they more than met anything I could have imagined. This is definitely ‘luxury in the wilderness.’ I don’t think it gets any better than ‘a tent with a porch.’ Happy journaling, happy reading…happy everything!!!
My heart felt thanks goes out to you (Rick & Judi) for having the courage to live your dream, which in turn allowed me to experience mine. Our guide, Arthur, is amazing, friendly, knowledgeable and respectful. Kao is fabulous. His ease with people of all ages and cultures is admirable. I can’t say enough about how much Arthur and he contributed to making my first sojourn to Africa (Tanzania) a lifelong memory worth repeating!
Daphine B.
Signature Thomson Safari, December 2012
March 17, 2013
I have been on 32 safaris; it is hard to WOW me but I was on WOWed on my safari with Thomson!
I had a wonderful time in Tanzania AGAIN with Thomson. One of the camps actually made me a cake for my 9th Thomson trip! Abu and Freddy were wonderful guides and so knowledgeable, as are all the Thomson Safaris guides.
We had so many WOW moments on this trip! I have now been on 32 safaris and it is hard to WOW me, but I was, several times. We saw about 40 sub-adult male elephants fighting each other very seriously, even drawing blood on occasion. We saw 31 giraffes crossing the highway on the way to the Serengeti and 2 of them got into a serious fight – even Freddy took a picture with his cell phone! We saw a heard of about 500 cape buffalo with 12 lions stalking them; the buffalo finally saw what was happening and started a stampede, one of the buffalo caught up with the male lion and gored it. The lion was laying on its back very hurt when 11 female lions came to his rescue and enticed the buffalo to go after them so the male lion could get up and run for cover. There were also lots of elephants chasing hippos out of a watering hole, along with several other wonderful sightings.
I love Thomson and think you have wonderful guides. Thanks for another wonderful trip!
June C.
Highlights of Tanzania Safari, October 2012
Giraffes
Elephant eating
Giraffes in Serengeti
Leopard in tree
Tanzanian bird
Leopard in Serengeti
Lion cub on kopje
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